At Northwest Animal Hospital, we recommend the following visit schedule to keep your kitten healthy during their first year:

8 Weeks

• First vaccine: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukemia, Chlamydiosis)
• Stool sample
• Possible deworming and Flea/Tick prevention

12 Weeks

• Booster of FVRCP
• First Feline Leukemia vaccine
• Stool sample
• Possible deworming

16 Weeks

• Final FVRCP booster
• Feline Leukemia booster & Rabies vaccine
• Possible deworming

6–8 Months

• Spay/Neuter

Following this schedule helps your kitten develop strong immunity and lays the foundation for lifelong health.

INTESTINAL PARASITES

Parasites in kittens are extremely common. Intestinal parasites in kittens are organisms like worms and single-celled organisms that live in their digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and a pot-bellied appearance. Common types include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and coccidia, which are contracted from the mother, the environment, or by ingesting infected prey or fleas.

 Worms can be passed:

• Through the mother’s placenta before birth
• Through mother’s milk after birth
• From the environment, like soil, other animals, or their own fur

Can worms infect humans?

Yes! Many parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can infect people. Symptoms may include:

• Skin irritations
• Diarrhea
• Internal cysts
• Rarely, blindness

Therefore, keeping your kitten free of parasites protects the entire family.

Deworming Plan for Kittens

• Kittens are routinely dewormed every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, and usually again at 4 months.
• Parasites can cycle through your kitten for several months, so completing all treatments is important.
• Guidelines follow the CDC and WHO for safety of pets and people.

Why check stool samples?

• Stool samples can detect parasites before symptoms appear.
• They also verify that previous deworming treatments worked.
• Regular stool checks should continue annually for adult cats.

Measures to Keep Your Family Safe

• Have a fresh stool sample examined yearly
• Follow deworming protocols and provide follow-up samples
• Clean up stools immediately
• Wash hands after handling kittens and discourage face-licking
• Teach children to wash hands before eating
• Pregnant women should avoid changing litter boxes

Following these steps ensures your kitten grows healthy while keeping your family safe.

Northwest Animal Hospital – Kitten Care Guide

Grooming Your Kitten

Getting your kitten used to grooming and baths early will make future experiences easier. Although cats usually groom themselves, long-haired kittens may need occasional baths.

Bathing Tips:

• Use shampoos and conditioners specifically made for kittens.
• Protect ears from water and avoid getting soap in the eyes.
• Introduce water slowly, using the sink or small tub. Let the kitten experience water on her back gradually.
• Pet and touch the kitten’s face gently to calm her. Stop if she struggles and try again later.
• The first bath should be brief with minimal soap. It should be more about getting comfortable than cleaning.

Other Grooming:

• Brushing and combing regularly builds trust and prevents matting.
• Check ears weekly; clean only with veterinarian-approved products.
• Trim nails carefully, gradually desensitizing the kitten to paw handling.
• Start teeth cleaning early using kitten-safe toothpaste and brushes.

Why Spaying & Neutering Is Crucial? 

Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in a female kitten, while neutering is the surgical removal of the testicles in a male kitten. Both are routine procedures performed by a veterinarian under general anesthesia to prevent reproduction.

Spaying and neutering prevents overpopulation and promotes health:

• Neutered males are less likely to roam, spray, or fight.
• Spayed females are less distracted by heat cycles and may be healthier long-term.
• Medically, spaying protects against some cancers, infections, and reproductive diseases.

Northwest Animal Hospital recommends spaying/neutering all kittens at the appropriate age for health and happiness.

Nutrition & Feeding

Proper nutrition supports healthy development and prevents obesity:

Canned vs. Dry Food:

• Cats naturally drink little water; canned food provides hydration and reduces urinary issues.
• Dry food alone may contribute to bladder problems and obesity.
• Feed at least 50% high-quality canned food, such as Royal Canin kitten formulas.

Feeding Tips:

• Feed small, frequent meals to match high energy needs.
• Avoid feeding human food to prevent obesity and picky eating habits.
• Feed kittens separately if other cats are in the household.
• Gradually transition to new diets over 7–10 days.
• Do not give cow’s milk; provide fresh water instead.
• Use treats sparingly, ideally low-calorie or softened for young kittens.
• Feed kitten food until 9–12 months of age for optimal growth.

Introducing Your Kitten to Your Home

• Begin with one room, fully kitten-proofed, with litter box, food, water, and toys.
• Keep the kitten in the carrier initially; allow her to explore on her own.
• Gradually introduce new rooms, people, and objects over several days.
• Sit quietly near your kitten without forcing interaction—let her approach you.

Playing Safely

Kittens need mental and physical stimulation:

Types of Play:

1. Predatory Play: pouncing, chasing, grabbing toys. Use balls, fake mice, or laser pointers.
2. Locomotive Play: running, climbing, leaping. Use cat trees or climbing posts.

Important Notes:

• Never use your hands or feet as toys.
• Supervise small toys to prevent swallowing.
• Encourage social play with humans and other pets for comfort around guests.

Litter Box Troubleshooting

Most kittens instinctively use the litter box, but issues may arise:

Tips for Success:

• Try different litters; clumping litters are often preferred.
• Adjust litter depth (1–6 inches) to see what your kitten likes.
• Provide one box per cat plus one extra for multiple-cat households.
• Keep boxes clean; scoop daily and wash monthly.
• Gradually move boxes if needed to new locations.
• Reward successful litter box use with treats and praise.
• Avoid moving furniture abruptly, which can stress kittens and disrupt training.

Summary

Caring for a kitten involves patience, consistency, and understanding. At Northwest Animal Hospital, we recommend:

• Scheduled vaccinations and spay/neuter
• Regular deworming and stool checks
• Safe grooming, including baths, brushing, ear care, nails, and teeth
• Proper nutrition with canned and dry food balance
• Gradual home introductions and supervised play
• Litter box training with positive reinforcement

Following these steps ensures your kitten grows healthy, confident, and happy while becoming a cherished member of your family.

Northwest Animal Hospital – Low-Stress Veterinary Visits for Cats

Cats often show stress through hissing, meowing, scratching, or even upset bowels during veterinary visits. The good news is that there are ways to help your feline friend relax even in the car.

1. Transport Your Cat Safely

• Always use a carrier for trips to and from the clinic.
• Cats roaming freely in a car risk injury, and handling a struggling cat can be dangerous.
• Choose a hard plastic carrier with a removable top. This makes it easier to place your cat inside without forcing her.

2. Make the Carrier Inviting

• Leave the carrier accessible in your home.
• Place a favorite blanket or toy inside.
• Occasionally hide treats in the carrier to encourage positive associations.

3. Practice “Happy Visits”

• Take your cat for short, stress-free trips to the clinic without a medical exam.
• Let your cat explore the sights, sounds, and smells while safely inside the carrier.
• Offer treats and gentle praise.

4. Gradual Car Acclimation

• Start with short drives around the block.
• Gradually increase time spent in the car.
• Reward your cat with treats and positive reinforcement for calm behavior.

Consistency and patience are the key. Over time, your cat will associate veterinary visits with safety and positive experiences.

Family Consistency in Training

Pets thrive when the entire family is consistent with rules, training cues, and expectations. Inconsistent messages can lead to confusion and behavior problems.

Tips for a Harmonious Household:

• Supervise children, especially those under three years, during interactions with pets.
• Teach children that cruelty (hitting, pulling ears/tails, rubbing noses in accidents) is unacceptable.
• Establish routines for feeding, playtime, potty breaks, and rest.
• Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) but frequent.
• Reward desired behaviors consistently and end sessions on a positive note.
• Introduce new environments, people, and distractions gradually to help generalize learned behaviors.

Remember: Pets learn in context, not automatically. A command taught in the kitchen may need to be repeated outside or in other rooms for full understanding.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can help manage veterinary costs, from wellness appointments to emergency treatments. Packages and premiums vary by company, so research carefully to find the right coverage for your cat.

Some companies offering pet insurance in Canada: